Good news for some, devastating for others, as the weather seems to be cooling this week, bringing the seemingly endless heatwaves of this scorching summer to a gentle halt.
There’s still a little sunshine left, though – and where better to take advantage of it than by the coast, at one of the UK’s best beachside pubs?
Whether you’ll sip on a Hugo Spritz with a chic seaside view, a pint of the Black Stuff while enjoying the sound of crashing waves or a pint of IPA in a classic English pub, these standout British watering holes on offer are certain to quench your thirst.
Here, we round up some of the best coastal pubs right on the nation’s beaches that you should visit next.
The Anchor Inn, Seatown, Dorset
The Anchor Inn in Seatown is the perfect seaside pub, with expansive views across the coast
Little-known Seatown, in Bridport, is home to the very definition of beachside pubs, The Anchor Inn.
Serving hearty gastropub food and real local ales from nearby Palmer’s Brewery, you’re getting a real taste of Dorset here – just metres from the sandy shores.
What to eat? Feast on a classic fish and chips, chorizo-baked hake fillet or market fish with roasted fennel, a veritable seaside extravaganza.
WHAT TO DO NEARBY: You can walk from The Anchor Inn up to the top of Golden Cap, the highest cliff on the south coast of England, a route that will take you around five hours to complete.
The Old Success Inn, Sennen Cove, Cornwall
The Old Success Inn in Sennen Cove is an ideal Cornish spot
By day, The Old Success Inn is home to yoga and breakfast sessions and fish and chips lunches.
Come evening, you can expect cold pints, a warm ambience and expansive sea views.
It’s dog-friendly, so Winston can tag along too.
WHAT TO DO NEARBY: Sennen Cove is a delightful part of Cornwall for surfers, walkers and active visitors. Dog-friendly beaches, popular cycling routes and a surfing centre will keep you occupied all summer long.
The Pilchard Inn, Burgh Island, Devon
The Pilchard Inn, near the Burgh Island Hotel (pictured), is worth a look
Look out adrenaline junkies, as danger (or, at least, mild risk) is on the cards at The Pilchard Inn, on South Devon micro-isle Burgh Island (once beloved by Dame Agatha Christie).
If the tide comes in when you’re full of food and beer, you’ll be forced to ride back to the mainland on a sea tractor.
The pub? It’s all cream stone fireplaces inside, and benches with a sublime view outside.
WHAT TO DO NEARBY: The famous Burgh Island Hotel is home to a Mermaid Pool, which offers a natural seawater swimming experience shaped by its island environment.
The Zetland Arms, Kingsdown, Kent
Directly on Kingsdown Beach, the Zetland Arms has been open since 1863
Packed in summer thanks to its location right on the seafront at Kingsdown, the bright white Zetland Arms looks across to France.
Go in winter when it’s quieter, and feel the warm embrace of a jar, brewed by Shepherd Neame up the road in Faversham, after a bracing walk.
The sheltered rear courtyard offers respite on windy days – which you’ll be grateful for if you arrive on one.
WHAT TO DO NEARBY: Colourful beach huts and the White Cliffs are visible on sunny days here. Explore the Kent coastline at your leisure.
The Ship At Dunwich, Suffolk
The Ship At Dunwich is just a three-minute stroll from Dunwich Beach in Suffolk
Relaxed and welcoming, this old smugglers’ inn is ideal for a hearty lunch after a long walk.
You can even stay overnight if you’ve tired yourself out.
Dogs sleeping under tables, a busy pub garden and fresh fish and seafood will be everywhere you look.
WHAT TO DO NEARBY: Dunwich Beach, located on the Suffolk coast, is popular among dog walkers living in the area. The pebble beach and nearby town are great to explore, with many visitors remarking on the interesting history and range of tea rooms, restaurants and cafes on offer.
The Atlantic Inn, St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly
The Atlantic on St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly has unrivalled harbour views
The Atlantic overlooks the harbour on St Mary’s in the Isles of Scilly, just steps from the quay.
Boats, clear waters and sunshine are on display, while burgers, steak, fresh fish and miso and chilli baked aubergine are on the menu.
On Mondays, the pub hosts a curry and pint night, a relaxed way to spend an afternoon or evening soaking up the atmosphere.
WHAT TO DO NEARBY: If you’re holidaying on the Isles of Scilly, try out one of St Mary’s walking routes, go snorkelling with seals on nearby St Martin’s Island or visit Tresco Abbey Garden, just 28 miles off Cornwall’s coast.
Tŷ Coch Inn, Porthdinllaen, North Wales
The village of Porthdinllaen, North Wales is home to Tŷ Coch Inn
Accessible by foot only, the 20-minute walk from the nearest car park to this highly picturesque red-hued beauty makes the visit well worth the effort.
On the north coast of the pretty Llŷn Peninsula, there are magnificent views of the water, and a nautical theme inside, including jugs and jars hanging from the beams.
Go for lunch, there’s no food in the evenings and doors close at 7pm on weekdays.
WHAT TO DO NEARBY: Enjoy nearby beach Morfa Nefyn Beach and explore walks on the coastal paths.
The Ship Inn, Low Newton-by-the-Sea, Northumberland
Just yards from the beach, The Ship Inn in Low Newton-by-the-Sea is a pub with hearty food, seaside air and even live folk music nights.
The Ship Inn Brewery opened in March 2008, and the pub is now self-sufficient in real ale, with beer brewed on the premises and rolled a mere 10ft from brewery to cellar.
So if you’re a beer lover, this is certainly the spot for you.
WHAT TO DO NEARBY: Walk to Dunstanburgh Castle, a now-ruined castle that dates back to 1313 and is now known for its wildlife.
The Old Neptune, Whitstable, Kent
In Whitstable, head to The Old Neptune pub on the beach
Backed by the shoreline, one of Whitstable’s oldest pubs, Old Neptune, dates from the early 19th century.
The beer garden and outdoor seating is perfect for when the weather gets good.
‘Pub on the beach, amazing location for a beer. Iconic spot,’ one delighted visitor said.
‘Staff are super friendly and accommodating – and go the extra mile for their customers. Good pub grub and speedy service – must visit when in Whitstable.’
WHAT TO DO NEARBY: Fresh oysters are the order of the day in Whitstable. Try out nearby Wheeler’s Oyster Bar, explore the beach and stroll through the food stalls and Harbour Market.
Pennan Inn, Pennan, Aberdeenshire
The Pennan Inn in Scotland is quiet and remote, yet quaint and high quality
Pennan, a historic fishing village, is all whitewashed cottages and sea views – and family-run affair the Pennan Inn is the icing on the cake.
The menu changes with the catch and season, but frequently features fish from haddock to halibut and Highland sirloin steak.
‘An AA Rosette kitchen in a village at the edge of the world’, is how the establishment describes itself.
WHAT TO DO NEARBY: Pennan is a wildlife paradise – embark on a dolphin-watching excursion, see the seals lounging on the beach and explore the many tiny coastal fishing villages.
Marsden Grotto, South Shields, Tyneside
Next up on the list is Marsden Grotto in South Shields, Tyneside
Perhaps one of Britain’s most starkly different seaside pubs, The Grotto is built into a large cave on the coast.
Previously used for smugglers to hide contraband, it has now developed into an inn, and you can even book rooms too.
It’s steeped in history and ghost stories. Jack the Jibber, a smuggler who was said to have been murdered by fellow criminals after selling information to HM Customs, was supposedly hung in a barrel in a cave near the current lift shaft and left to starve, the inn website reveals.
WHAT TO DO NEARBY: You can reach Marsden Beach either via cliff steps or by the lift operated by the pub. The scenery is dramatic, with sea stacks and arches, plus you can explore rock pools when the tide is out.
Victoria Inn, Morfa Borth, Ceredigion
Ceredigion’s Victoria Inn is a classic seaside pub
The Victoria Inn is a classic seaside pub on Borth’s high street, known for its views over Cardigan Bay.
From the front, it looks like any old pub. But from the back, the beer garden stretches right down to the shingle.
Visitors are keen to note this, with one Google review from this summer saying: ‘What a great pub. Small terrace out the back with extra benches on the pebble beach. Can’t ask for more on a summer’s evening with the sun going down.’
WHAT TO DO NEARBY: The Wales Coast Path is complete with clifftop walks, sandy coves and amazing views for those wanting to explore. Market town Aberystwyth is also nearby if you fancy riding the cliff railway or exploring the ruins of a 13th-century fortress.
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